STEAMSIDE CHRONICLES by Ciar Cullen

Publisher: Smashwords
Date published: June 2010
ISBN: none given
Steampunk romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by Author


When Emily Fenwick visits a carnival and goes into a fortune telling tent, she never imagined that the promised tall, dark and handsome man that she should meet would be in another dimension. A former NYPD agent, Emily finds herself whisked off to 1890 and a time she’d never imagined. She defends New York from nightmares that have come alive. Together with Jack Pettigrew, her tall, dark and handsome man and the band of strange people, they try to find out what is going on and how they can get back to their own time. They have a recollection of their deaths and it seems an Egyptian obelisk may have something to do with the whole thing. So, they have to make sure that things go right in this world before they can go back…or can they go back?

It was so very nice to see a new story from Ciar Cullen and I have been waiting for this one very patiently. She has been talking about writing a steampunk story for some time. As a fan of this author, I was extra excited to get it to review. I dived in right away and read it without putting it down. I enjoyed it very much; it was a real joy to read. I loved the characters, the sexual tension bubbles until it boils over, the plot twists and turns and all this kept me glued to the pages. I loved how Ms. Cullen blends all kinds of elements into this story to make it really interesting and a great read. I know her fans will gobble this up and I hope many folks will pick it up and read it, too.

If you’d like to try this brand new genre, I would highly recommend you get this book. Just a tip, it’s cheaper at the publisher’s site.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE EGYPTIAN’S DEMON KEEPER by Ciar Cullen

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Date published: September 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60504-667-9
Paranormal romance
E-book
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Valerie


CLICK TO PURCHASE! Eliza Schneider is an archeologist with a passion. Since finding a map, she is determined to discover the treasure she believes she will find. She is so obsessed with this project that she even forgoes safety measures and finds herself digging while almost dehydrated and exhausted. So, when she finds a box and opens it and a man appears...and not just a man...but a real hunk of a man who knows her name and seems to have ideas of her being his, she thinks she must be hallucinating. Kasdeya, the Fifth Satan is very surprised when Eliza doesn’t succumb to him. He desperately needs her to free him from the clutches of Deumos who wants to have his child. This has to be stopped and only Eliza can do that. If he can convince her that they belong together and she has this power.

It is so nice to see a new book from Ciar Cullen, an author that I personally really like. I enjoyed this new book very much and Ms. Cullen still captivated me with her dark, sexy story. I liked Eliza a lot. She is not a wimp by any means and she’s not swooning because of the hunky stranger. If she’s swooning, it’s because of the heat and the lack of water! No, she has to be convinced by Kasdeya, and he at first bungles things, but then, whoohoo...things get really hot! Ms. Cullen knows how to write a story that is fast paced, exciting, very sensuous and with a plot that keeps you scrolling those pages until the end. So, if you like this kind of story that includes immortals and a bitch of an antagonist, then please pick this one up. And don’t forget to look for her other work; Ms. Cullen has some other great stories too.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

THE PRINCE’S BRIDE by Ciar Cullen

Publisher: Loose Id
Date issued: June 2009
ISBN: 978-1-59632-962-1
Erotic fantasy romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie


CLICK TO PURCHASE! Rita is a peasant girl who has come to town to find a better place for herself. At least a roof over her head and something to eat every day. For all that, she’s plump and doesn’t feel very beautiful and when she sees the other girls who have come to be part of the Quest, she knows she’ll just have to go back to the swine. But handsome sir Geoffrey is taken by Rita and chooses her for the Quest. Suddenly she’s his bride, unbelievable! Sir Geoffrey needs a virgin, which Rita is not, a unicorn and a sacred scroll. He has also seen his own death in a vision. Rita can communicate with the St. Anthony, the finder of lost things and together they embark on the Quest. Geoff leads Rita on a sexual adventure, including sharing her with his brother. Rita hopes she has the power to save her husband.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read something from this clever author and I was so pleased to be able to review this title. Ciar Cullen still has her unique style. A little tongue-in-cheek, a little comedy and a dose of good advice make her stories enjoyable to read and get you thinking. I loved her characters in this story, the premise, the adventure and witty dialogue. Ciar Cullen manages to mix up all these ingredients and cook up a story that is worthy of reading again. I had a big grin on my face while reading this story, I love her sense of humor. The love scenes are not bad either, in fact, they are rather hot! It’s also nice to read how a woman who is on the plumper side gets the handsome man. One who loves and appreciates her and her curves. So, those of you who love your fantasy with a good sprinkle of humor and fun, pick this one up and enjoy!

KEY WEST MAGIC by Ciar Cullen

Publisher Samhain Publishing
Date published December 2007
ISBN 1-59998-204-8
Paranormal Romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie

CLICK TO PURCHASE!
Trent Light and his four brothers are being given their assignments. Their mother pours a little suggestive magic over the envelopes, ensuring that each of her sons get the assignment that they need. Trent expects the worst one, but he is off to Key West to go ghost busting at Calloway House. When Trent comes to Key West, he poses as a busker, doing a pretty amazing fire show on the streets by day. He finds four ghosts at Calloway house, and he’s able to get rid of three of them. But Emily, the last one, proves to be very stubborn. Emily has a guardian angel who won’t let her pass over until she’s made amends on this side, and this involves Trent and newcomer to Key West, Julie Calloway, who has inherited Calloway House. Julie finds Trent very attractive and Trent is certainly interested in Julie. But all he’s looking for is a fling while he’s in town, while Julie is looking for more. It seems though as if fate, a ghost, a guardian angel, a mother and a talking parrot, all seem to know what is best for Trent except Trent himself.

It is always a delight to read a book that has been penned by Ciar Cullen. She writes stories that just beg to be read until the end. She pens characters that leap from the pages. Trent seems to be a bit of an ass at times. Big headed, arrogant but oh so very charming with a gift of the gab. Being Irish, Trent has all the advantages. Julie seems to be the repressed librarian until she meets Trent and has a little make over, then oh baby!!! Trent is knocked for a loop, poor boy. I love how Ciar Cullen mixes a nice pinch of humour into the story. I smiled more than once. Her sex scenes are very hot, sizzling and sensuous. The fire really burns between these two. I enjoyed the plot. Ms Cullen weaves a great story and keeps the readers guessing. Why can’t Emily cross over? What’s all the fuss about a necklace? Why can’t Trent commit? What secrets does his mother know? This all makes for a very exciting plot that keeps the readers turning the pages frantically. Ciar Cullen, please keep writing these great stories and more about these interesting brothers.